Chapter Text
“Could I have some of that purifying crystals?”
Builderman asked with a weak chuckle against his stubbly face. He stroked his chin anticipating an answer from the widow. Yet nothing more than a tip of her hat. Another sigh from him and a push of his glasses.
“Tsk, I figured.”
He thought to himself blindly rearranging the wires to the metal turret. It stood with a slight hint of weakness. Damn thing was held together with a breath and a prayer. Alone for now. The widow had left leaving Buildman alone with his own thoughts. He tugged at loose strands of hair, then clung his injured arm like a lifeline. He felt lightheaded as if he would faint momentarily. He was jolted awake by the tap on his shoulder.
“Y0u alr1ght, d4d?”
Builderman was stunned, he brushed the question off and took his own hat off at his waist. The plastic digging into his waistband of the belt he wore.
“I’m good enough, yeah.”
“Y0u’r3 bl33d1ng, y0ur arm must hurt.”
“There’s no healers, my dispenser is down. I’ll be fine.”
“I w1sh I c0uld h3lp.” Veeronica chirped, she bounced on her heels as an idle position that kept her comfortable despite the cold ground beneath her. Her skateboard was kept comfortably with a strap to her back. It contained two buckles that broke with relative ease for emergencies. “Plus, w3 st1ll hav3 s3nt1n3ls al1v3. Wh0 kn0ws, m4ybe that Jane g4l w1ll swing a punch at a dud3.”
“I’m sure that ‘dude’ would be me.”
“L1ght3n up. W3 st1ll hav3 a b1g t3am.”
She adjusted her hat to the side, the visor bringing shade towards the side of her head rather than the screen. She knew that her Dad was rather disappointed at the fact she did graffiti and all of this… ‘unruly activity’ (exactly what he’d say.) The silence became awkward after a bit, she moved towards a dead end near the slope where most of the team stood. Spraying a sloppy vision of her creativity against the dirty wall. The lines were wobbly and colors bleed with each other like water spilled on wet paint. She wasn’t the best at art. Veeronica shuddered at the nasty glance that Builderman shot at her before turned away with a mixture of dissatisfaction and frustration. She struggled to read his lips but it was something among the lines of ‘I raised you better.’
Growing bashful, Veeronica paused her onslaught of paint against the wall. She strained her arm over her shoulder to unbuckle the skateboard from its side. She held it under her arm like it was the most beautiful piece of jewelry in the world. Her imagination ran offshore thinking about her past with Builderman before snapping back.
“Don’t do anything stupid!”
Builderman called out, Veeronica merely rolled her eyes. Apparently the wheels of the skateboard were rolling too. She wasn’t a master at skateboarding but she was definitely more skilled than a 16 year old eating shit in the concrete. Bats chirped in air around her and occasionally she had to swipe them away with her hand. Nosferatu was merely skilled, he was the Specter’s favorite since he played by the rules. Her digital eyes narrowed in the air as the vampire and a peer came into view from the horizon.
“N0sf3ratu, T4ph, and n3w g1rl.”
She whispered to keep a mental note. Veeronica did know the name of ‘new girl’ she mentioned it to her father before hand. It was teasing slang she’d say to herself. She fiddled with the thick knob on the side of her head, that was, until it had reached the term ‘bumper.’ Her plan was simple, prolong the chase by pushing the vampire away from Taph, easy.
“C4r3ful, Taph!”
Veeronica braced for impact against the caped brute, bringing her knees close to her chest as a shield. Her plan had worked yet the android gasped as an axe was swung in front of her, barely rubbing the bottom of her stomach. The swing was filled with power, as it missed and slammed into the ground; patches of grass flung around it.
Jane stopped, her head spinning after the recoil of the ground. As she recovered she stared up at Veeronica, momentarily stunned.
“I was supposed to hit Nosferatu.”
She spat out, standing up fully and picking the axe from the dirt that kept it upright. She spun it once before returning it to the holster of her own trousers. A leering display of dark hatred towards the intruder.
“I d1dn’t s33 y0u—! I’m s0rry.”
Jane didn’t respond, she simply watched the robot closely as she returned to Taph’s ‘nest’ to help her strength recover. This left Veeronica alone against the wide plain to ponder her own regret. She looked around, Nosferatu and Taph had long escaped to the other side of the plain. She barely helped Taph.
The haunting sound of the clock began to play, its ticking leaving an intense effect on both the killers and survivors. 30 seconds left, there was nothing Veeronics could do so she merely watched. Elliot leaped ovee the ledge of the slop, surprisingly landing on his feet. He threw a fat pizza slice at Taph which they ate with newfound respect. A part of Veeronica was jealous that they could all appreciate the food of life yet all she could do was watch as they attempted to describe their meal to her.
10 seconds left, Nosferatu grew desperate. He wildly threw his seemingly endless chain with the sharp metal tip at the end towards a random target. 9… Nosferatu swung his head backwards to address the onslaught of shots fired at him. 8, the turret was destroyed. Leaving all low health survivors defenseless. 7, Shedledsky swung his sword. Missing by an inch. His consequence was a hit to his jaw. 6, the vampire dashed forward. The ground beneath him forming to pools of blood. 5, in the distance a bomb exploded leaving a purple boom in the air. 4, Guest 1337 held his hands clenched in front of the vampire to block an attack. However, his trial was ignored and pushed aside. 3, Two Time began to pray. Other survivors spewed out angry insults at them. 2, Dusekkar twirled his staff. Summoning a beam of light that missed the vampire. 1, a clash of broken glass and a sharp cry of the killer broke out. His final second was writhing in pain by a hatchet to his back.
0, the round ended.
The survivors returned to the cabin after the tiring dispute of determination. They all sat at the dinner table, Elliot surprisingly knew how to make dinner that WASN’T pizza. He could make lasagna and pasta as well. Tonight was lasagna for dinner. Elliot and Guest 1337 set the table with unadulterated grace. Elliot’s love for cooking and food tended to show throughout the evening. Veeronica sat next to Builderman and Chance. She was at the end of the table with a singular chair. Jane usually ate her dinner in the basement. It was rare to see Jane out of the basement. Most even called her ‘Ms Doe.’
As Jane entered the room Chance wiggled his eyebrows and took this as an opportunity. He suddenly stood up pulled out a chair next to him and Veeronica, patting the seat.
“C’mon, in this cabin… no seat, no food.”
An audible sigh was heard from Jane, her hair was pulled up into a tight bun with a pin sticking out from the side. As she sat down, her hatchet remained at her holster causing Veeronica to shudder. She was clearly unhappy, lack of energy, no curl of her lips, only aggravated eyes. She place a clenched hand at the wooden arm rest. Elliot had served himself first, (he was the chef after all.) Nor him or Guest 1337 ate much since they tended to put others before themselves. They waited to eat until others had served themselves, most scooped generous amounts of the cheesy lasagna.
“Praise be thou our lord—“ Guest 1337 began their prayer. They thanked the lord or whatever was generous enough to give them food in this hellscape. “—ruler of the universe, who caused this Earth, and create food for all. Bless us all.”
“Amen.”
The survivors chanted, Jane cocked an eyebrow up. She never experienced such spiritual connection before. Chance wasted absolutely no time to snarf his food down and get seconds.
“1s it g00d?”
Veeronica asked, leaning close to her father with intrigue and interest. It wasn’t like she could taste it. She tried to ignore the lingering stare of Jane against her metal spine.
“Mmm, I’d say so. Elliot is a talented chef.”
Veeronica nodded in agreement even if she had no proof to his words.
“May I be excused?”
Jane didn’t even wait for a response before bolting to the basement.
“Sh3 bar3ly at3.” Veeronica commented which led Shedletsky to shrug in response. “I’ll d0 d1sh3s and f33d th4t cat 0utsid3.”
Veeronica held Jane’s plate outside, patiently waiting in the dark for that brown tabby to emerge. It took a while but it would do. Eventually a mew was heard from the dark. Then, a flick of paws and claws. The cat moved towards the plate, giving long meaningful licks against the saucy meat. It purred with satisfaction and as it grew full it rubbed against Veeronica’s legs. It eventually disappeared into the darkness leaving Veeronica to set the plate next to the door of the cabin. As she turned around she saw Jane Doe. Her digital eyes strung up in shock. She held her chest tightly.
“N0t 3v3n a w4rn1ng?!”
“Do you always feed that rustled cat?”
“I d0 m0st days.”
“I figured.”
Jane turned away to return to the basement, however Veeronica followed with growing curiosity. The stairs were steep, she had to grip the rails to stay upright. At the bottom she saw Jane sitting in a chair writing with quill and ink. Veeronica observed the surroundings, it was small but had charm. Not the best—
“D0 y0u sl33p 1n a b3d.?”
“It’s rude to come uninvited.” Jane’s eyebrows shot upward, and she pushed her glasses forward. “No, I sleep in this chair against the desk. It’s better than nothing.”
“Why? W3 h4v3 a b0ys and g1rls r00m. I’m th3 0nly g1rl. Y0u c4n b3 my r00mi3!”
“Mmm, I’ll think about it.”
It was the least Veeronica could do for the poor woman. If she remembered right she’d recently lost her brother to ‘corruption.’ Veeronica sat down in front of Jane placing her head in her hands.
“W4tch’a d01ng?”
“Work.”
“Wh4t k1nd?”
“Writing, I tend to write letters and address them to people who’ll never receive them. I suppose it’s a way to cope. I also write entries about my documents.”
“Wh0 ar3 you wr1ting t0 now?”
“John.”
Suspicions were proven true, her brother John WAS the killer John.
“H0w’d y0u l1k3 Ital1an n1ght?”
“Good, I enjoy Elliot’s cooking. I prefer to eat here instead of the table. It’s not that I don’t like his cooking—“
“I f1gur3d.”
“Do you always ask so many questions?” Veeronica couldn’t really tell if Jane had any malicious intentions behind the question so she just nodded. “I see.”
They both sat in equal silence, occasionally making eye contact despite the lack of communication. Jane Doe’s eye’s began to flutter shut despite her attempts to stay awake. As Veeronica observed, she noticed the large bags on her eyes. Jane yawning once, then again. Veeronica tilted her head to the side then stood upright as Jane fell asleep.
“I sh0uld g0.”
Veeronica whispered, yet she made no attempt to leave or move away from Jane at all. Jane had an odd way of sleeping, endearing in some cases. Her head rested against her forearms and she remained hunched over her desk. Silently, Veeronica moved closer careful not to knock anything over in the messy basement or have her metal joints creak. She crouched next to the chair like a cat staring upwards. Staring at each breath the mistress took.
Eventually Veeronica’s own battery had drained. Luckily, she was self-sufficient and would be good as new in the morning. All that was left between the two was the brisk off cool air that occasionally brushed against Jane’s hair and Veeronica’s ‘skin.’
Jane gasped against the cool air, her heart pounding against her breast. She slowly turned towards Veeronica’s limp body. Prodding at it with the edge of her hatchet.
“Veeronica?”
The foreign name had escaped Jane’s lips. It wasn’t an ugly name, no. It was a lovely and endearing name in a sense. Odd, Veronica with an extra ‘E’ but it was fitting. The screen flashed displaying the Logo of Robloxia which caused Jane to cringe momentarily. The colorful LEDS spurred forward in a blank array of blue light.
“Y0u kn0w my n4m3?”
Jane fell back against her chair, poor girls heart thumped like a machine gun. The sudden cut of sound despite the crushing silence was overwhelming surprising.
“Good gosh… didn’t think you woke that fast.”
“1’m alm0st 4lways awake3! My scr33n 1s r34lly 0nly to d1spl4y my 3m0t10ns.”
Jane clung to the chair nodding at the explanation. ‘Creepy.’ Jane thought, while checking her nails briefly. She looked back at Veeronica with a raised eyebrow, revealing the bags under her eyes.
“I know everyone’s name, yes?”
“But w3 just m3t!”
“That doesn’t mean I haven’t been observing from afar.”
Veeronica slowly stood, reaching only a bit higher than Jane sitting in a chair raised at the highest.
“Y0u h4v3 a f4v0r1t3?”
The question was obviously unserious and Jane seemed to pick up on that since she ran a hand through her hair and responded apathetically.
“No, I don’t pick favorites.” She crossed her legs absentmindedly placing her hands clasped in her lap. “Why, do you?”
“I supp0s3 I d0. I l1k3 Bu1ld3rm4n—“ Veeronica stopped as she saw Jane weasel in discomfort. “Is s0m3th1ng wr0ng?”
“Why do you like Builderman so much?”
“W3ll, 0f c0urs3 1’d l1k3 my d4d.”
“He’s your father?”
“In a s3ns3 y34h, h3 b4s1c4lly cr34t3d m3 t0 h3lp R0bl0x1a.”
“I see, and he treats you like his own kin?”
“By d3f1n1t10n, y3s.”
“I see…” Jane spun on the wheels remaining the same position as before. Her heels clasping against the plastic of the legs of the chair. “That’s a bit wholesome in a way.”
It was very obvious how Jane attempted to bite back the nasty comments of his bigotry. She did moderately well doing so. She coughed then dropped the topic to return writing.
“Y0u w0rk 4ll 0f th3 t1m3. 1t w0rr13s m3.”
“Why so?” Jane looked up from the crowded papers on her desk, eyeing Veeronica. “Why—! I don’t even know your last name or about anything about you!”
“W3ll, I d0n’t h4v3 a l4st nam3, I 3nj0y sk4t3b04rd1ng, 4nd I us3d to b3 4n NPC f0r th3 T0wn 0f R0bl0x14.” She placed her hands on presumably where her hips would be. “Th3r3, n0w y0u kn0w m3!”
“Do I?”
“Y3s, 1’v3 t0ld y0u just ab0ut 3v3ryrh1ng ab0ut me!”
“You have an interesting yet uneventful life if that’s truly everything.” She placed her head on her hand listening intently. Her intrigue peaking as she waited for Veeronica to continue. “Well, not in a rude way of course.”
Without warning, Veeronica had moved from the floor to sit on top of the desk, rustling papers underneath her in the process. She crossed her legs, small creases of fabric folded at her kneecaps. She held her weight with a free hand creating more pressure against the desk.
“Y0u 4ct l1k3 y0u d0n’t l1k3 m3 4nym0re.”
“Anymore?”
“Y0u s33m 4nn0y3d.”
Jane spun around on her chair, facing the invader on their table with a sharp grasp to the table’s edge. It remained dangerously close to Veeronica’s own metal hand. She titled her head and squinted her eyes. They darted around the invading figure.
“Now, did I say that?”
“N0, 1t just s33m3d s0.”
Jane moved her hands to the bottom of the chair. Latching to the sides to keep a strong sense of control against the wheeled chair. She leaned forward to gracefully pick up the papers that Veeronica had knocked over or disarrayed. She held the papers in her lap hoping to have them stack perfectly straightened. She took her hat off that held feathers spilling from the top. It was elegant in the sense that it was something you’d wear to a ball and slow dance in. Veeronica had never seen Jane without a hat or at least an accessory covering her roots. Her digital screen blinked, displaying a rather amused expression afterwards.
“Y0ur h41r, 1sn’t m3ssy und3r th4t h4t.” Veeronica searched around Jane’s desk for a hairbrush or something that could possibly keep it clean. “Wh4t d0 y0u us3? Ch4nc3’s h41r 1sn’t 3v3n th1s cl34n.”
“I do have a brush, yes. Chance uses hair gel it has a strong scent.”
“I c4n’t sm3ll, 1’ll t4k3 y0ur w0rd.” While there were around 3 showers, the men always used them since Veeronica didn’t exactly need to and no women were there at time. There wasn’t exactly a schedule yet, usually the men would rush to a stall and get rushed by others to ‘do it faster.’ Veeronica suspected Jane showered hours after the boys finished. There was a large stock of showers supplies that the Specter provided. While he found joy of watching the survivors suffer, it was too far to have them lack basic hygiene. Veeronica’s screen had morphed to a pixelated expression of understanding and compassion against the two. “S0, y0u d0 sh0w3r w1th the m3n?”
“Not with, I don’t want them getting the wrong idea about me. I’m not interested.”
“1n?”
“Nothing, never mind. Yes, I do shower after them. Or at the stall to the right when Two Time or Taph are there. There’s a mutual respect we have for each other.”
“1 s33.”
Jane tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear turning back to the android that remained snug against the desk. She gauged Veeronica, almost sizing her up . She raised a hand and moved it towards Veeronica’s waist.
“I could pull up a chair, you know?”
“M4yb3 1 d0n’t w4nt a ch41r.”
Jane’s hand moved back, pondering about the response. It wasn’t what she expected— yet unsurprising the more-so she thought about it. She shrugged her shoulders and let her hand remain rested against the desk. Her eyes trailed down to Veeronica’s ‘skin’ that peaked through her cropped jacket and pants.
“1 kn0w 1’v3 4sk3d 4lr34dy, but w0uld y0u l1k3 t0 h4v3 a r34l b3d upst41rs?” She leaned closer to Jane ask the question caused a split in their choice of housing. They could either stay in the basement or move upstairs in the cabin. “W1th m3 1nst34d 0f th3 m3n, 0f c0urs3.”
“Mm, I’ll move my stuff to that room of yours.”
Veeronica’s head snapped towards Jane, she didn’t expect a real answer. Rather than a hint of Jane’s denial for the idea, she got what was the equivalent to a ‘yes, but later.’ The basement was at the side of the cabin, it would be a slightly lengthy walk if they moved without haste. The cabin had high ceilings which unfortunately meant more stairs.
“But, th3 d4y 1s n31gh. 1t’s 0nly just b3gun! Y0u’ve 4lr34dy sk1pp3d br34kf4st 4nd m4yb3 lunch.” Veeronica finally stood up fully from her resting position looking around the dark room. “1 c4n t4k3 m0st 0f 1t!”
“That’s really unnecessary.”
“1 0ff3r3d.” Jane stood upright, moving vigilantly towards Veeronica. Before snatching most of her papers that remained on the desk. Her clothing remained against a shelf behind Veeronica. “Plus, 1 c4n p1ck up y0ur stuff 4nd h3lp. Th4t’s wh4t 1 w4s cr34t3d t0 d0 4ft3r4ll.”
“Hm, if it’s not a burden to do so. My only important items are on my desk and shelf.” Her voice lowered as she gestured towards the general location. She blinked and Veeronica was already there. She held back a chuckle, her eyes fluttering shut while doing so. “Don’t overwork yourself or do too much.”
“D0n’t w0rry!” Veeronica let out a small huff, it wasn’t visible however it was heard despite her screen being hidden. Veeronica turned back to Jane, carrying most of the clothing (minus a few tops.) “1s th1s 3n0ugh?”
“Mhm, I’ll get my papers.”
Jane hunched over her desk, collecting writing utensils and her letters. When she returned upwards Veeronica was already moving upwards. As they exited the basement, Veeronica looked upwards at the sky. It was always dark in the realm but they’d learned to check the time by the position of the moon.
“L0ng 4ft3r lunch, 4lm0st d1nn3r.” Veeronica chirped, turning towards Jane who’d just reached the tops of the stairs. While she moved at a slower pace, Veeronica didn’t mind. Jane followed, soon after. The wooden cabins porch creaked underneath their combined weight. The men seemed to be busy outside at the opposite side of the cabin. Veeronica turned silent, as she progressed up the stairs. She gently pushed the door open. Setting down Jane’s clothes near the door. From the door’s view was 5 mattresses in the middle, they were stripped and filled cheap material. The sheets were thin and the pillows flat but they could always switch or use extras since they were the only females there. “1t’s n0t 4n 4m4z1ng b3d, but 1t’s better th4n y0ur r0ck h4rd ch41r.”
Jane placed a loose hand over her mouth, unsure to react. She dropped the papers at a desk to the direct left of a small window. As she looked up, the roof poles were visible. No real ceiling, just a roof. Cobwebs littered the poles and high corners, uninhabited by spiders luckily. 4 mattresses were pushed next to each other to resemble a ginormous bed. She guessed that the stray one with sweatpants below the pillow was Veeronica’s mattress. Jane placed a hand on her hip as she moved her new mattress away from the combined bed towards Veeronica. There was a healthy amount of space between them.
“Uh, y0u c4n m0ve y0ur stuff h0w3v3r y0u l1k3. 1 just k33p my stuff 0v3r th3r3.”
Veeronica pointed at a back corner with bins of (presumably) clothes. Jane suddenly sat down at the edge of her bed, shrugging off the outer jacket from her shoulders. Underneath was a ruffled sleeveless top that resembled flowers. In the pocket that was stitched across her chest were pens of 2 colors, red and black. The black jacket pooled at her legs as she rubbed her eyes.
“You can feel the fire from up here.”
Jane commented, it was rather to herself instead of a genuine observation. Veeronica had been watching her speak, her head lowered to Jane’s torso then shoulders. Her eyes remained straight, emotionless in a way. She stared at their shoulders. Smooth, freckled, and painted with patterns of flesh. Veeronica’s antenna twitched with anticipation, she pried her gaze away from Jane. Tugging at her antenna, upset at their odd antics.
“Is there a stain, or something on me?”
“N0, just z0n3d 0ut.”
Jane raised an eyebrow once more. Turning to meet Veeronica’s digital eyes. As her brow furrowed back to its original place she chuckled. Not an awkward one either, it was oddly affectionate in a sense.
“Am I that intriguing to you?”
“…n0.” Silence fell upon the room. Veeronica tucked her hat in a bag, shaking her head clear in the process. Her tail whipped wildly behind her, the plug thrashing against her lower back occasionally. Veeronica sat next to Jane, her weight causing the mattress to dip under her weight. “Ms D0e—“
“Just call me Jane, please.”
“J4n3, 4r3 y0u hungry? Y0u h4v3n’t 34t3n 4ll d4y. Y0u w0rry m3.”
“Don’t worry about me, I’ll tell you if I ever am.”
“N0 n33d, 1’ll g3t y0u a pl4t3.”
Veeronica moved to the door, looking at Jane one last time before closing it, leaving the other woman in darkness except for a small lamp. She looked up at the lobby, giving a small smile at Shedletsky and Chance messing around. We walked past them to the kitchen, she moved towards Elliot gently tapping him on the shoulder.
“D0 y0u m1nd 1f 1 t4k3 a pl4t3 to J4n3?”
“No, please take as much as she needs.”
Elliot tipped his visor, moving to the side for Veeronica to do so. It was an array of parmesan chicken, cooked spinach, and mashed potatoes. Veeronica eyes trailed along the display, she managed to receive a rather generous amount of each item. She honestly was unsure of Jane’s preferences or desired plate of food. She gripped the plate and fork tightly, she grabbed a knife just in case, (Veeronica had observed others using them for food.) She pushed the door to peek at Jane once more.
“1 w4sn’t sur3 h0w much y0u’d w4nt.”
She moved through the door, gently placing the plate in front of Jane. She analyzed Jane’s expressions, looking for a reaction.
“Thank you…”
“Y0u’r3 w3lc0m3.”
Veeronica placed her head in her hands, a resting position that seemed to hold her weight questionably so— Veeronica did have a ‘staring’ problem as her father put it. Jane ate differently than the men she’d observed. Small bites, delicate cuts, and graceful at all times— Veeronica turned away, her tail swishing once more. Eventually, Jane set the empty plate off to the side. Stretching and reaching her arms upwards soon after.
“Thank you, again.”
“It’s my pl34sur3.”
Laughter and connection was heard downstairs from the lodge. Jane smiled at Veeronica. A real, genuine smile from the woman.
“Sounds like they’re having fun.”
“Th3y’ll b3 0ut-c0ld 1n th3 b3d 1n a h0ur.”
“Pfft, so will I. Today’s gone by fast, yeah?
“1t h4s! 1t’s lik3 t1m3 h4s b4r3ly p4ssed.” Veeronica responded enthusiastically, she scooted towards Jane. “Y0u sh0w3ring wh1l3 th3y 34t?”
“I take 5 minutes showers, I suppose I will.”Jane stood up to her full height, reaching to the bottom of her bag to pull out of white clean towel. She held it rolled up in her armpit combined with pajamas. “I’ll see you soon.”
Veeronica waves goodbye as she watched Jane leave the room, Veeronica took this time to tidy up a little but of their room. She held a hand vacuum reaching towards the cobwebs. She watched blankly at the cobwebs being sucked away. She pushed her weight against the wall, a way to ground herself and turn a little taller. She hummed, a small tune emitting from her chest. Her tail slowed to a halt, the only thing moving it was gravity itself. Her mind wandered to what it would be like with a roommate, she’d been sleeping up here alone for… (who even knows how long?) She sat down at the desk, placing her hands in her lap with them shut tightly. She tugged at her pant legs, pulling her shoes up. Veeronica’s head whipped around as she heard the door open. Jane emerged with wet hair, pajama pants and a tank top. It was the least formal Veeronica had ever seen her dress. Veeronica’s antenna spaced outward slightly before returning to their origin. Veeronica’s hands were suddenly gripped tighter.
“H0w w4s y0ur sh0w3r? N0t 1n a w31rd w4y—!”
“Pretty good, the water was warm.” Jane shivered, then fell against her mattress. She didn’t mind sleeping with wet hair, her pillow would dry by the morning. “I think I’m going to bed.”
Veeronica’s head turned forward, a nod— she stood up turning the lamp off. The only light that remained was from her screen. She saw as Jane placed a hand to block the light. Veeronica muttered an apology as the brightness lowered to something much more manageable.
“Do you ever feel cold when the fire is off up here?”
“1 c4n’t f33l t3mp3r4tur3.”
“Ah, thats right. Apologies.”
Jane rolled over to the other side, her back facing Veeronica.
“4r3 y0u c0ld?”
“A little, yes.”
Veeronica fell silent, only her fans whirring inside of her systems. Without warning, Veeronica wrapped her arms around Jane. Effectively pulling herself closer to the woman, she’d heard a from her father that her chest and torso were always warm. It was due to something about her systems that seemed to work up the temperature. She heard a sharp gasp from Jane, to respond, Veeronica pressed herself closer.
“1s th1s w4rm 3n0ugh f0r y0u?”
“Yeah, I just— wasn’t expecting that.”
Jane turned herself towards Veeronica, her eyes closing in Veeronica’s touch. Veeronica’s head craned back, staring at Jane’s facial features. Her hands moved up Jane’s back, her pixelated eyes narrowing at the feel of the muscled plane below her hands. Jane’s back arched against the invading hands, pressing herself fully against them. Veeronica’s eyes widened, her own hands must’ve been warm too. She breathed slowly, each breath holding a little purpose of her slumber. Veeronica’s screen finally dimmed, putting her systems and body to rest. Then, finally she passed out next to Jane. This cycle continued for many nights to come.